AUSTRONESIAN FUTSAL CUP [2016]

On December 2, the Australian Futsal Association’s (AFA) National 12-U Boys Team arrived on Maui for a 10-day tour, which culminated in a tournament on December 10-11, against Hawaii Futsal’s (12/13-U) Ekahi and Elua Teams. The 2nd annual international matchup was founded through a partnership between Hawaii Futsal, the Australian Futsal Association, and the United States Futsal Federation—the governing body for the sport of futsal within the U.S. The Austronesian Futsal Cup was named to commemorate the migration of indigenous (Austronesian) peoples out of Africa by way of the Pacific, to parts of Asia, Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

While on tour, AFA’s National Players were hosted by Hawaii Futsal partner—Hawaii Soccer Federation—on a visit to Kamehameha Schools–Maui. The players engaged in cultural exchange through mutual “talk story” sessions, instruction on traditional Hawaiian dance, and through futsal demonstrations with Kamehameha Schools’ Middle School students.

After two days of pool play matches, Hawaii Ekahi and Australia Gold advanced to the finals as the top two seeds, with Hawaii Ekahi garnering a 4-2 victory to claim the title. Hawaii Elua defeated Australia Green 6-2 in the consolation match. The Golden Boot was awarded to Australia’s Toby Dance who tallied 9 goals in 4 games, edging out fellow countryman, Sebastian “Seb” Kiceec by a goal as the tournament’s top scorer.